The three jewels are the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. It is by making these the central principles of your life that you become a Buddhist. Join Geshe Tsultrim Tuesday nights 8/2, 8/9 and 8/16 from 6:30-8:30pm to learn how to take refuge in the Three Jewels. During these classes there will be short mediations and Dharma talks delving into each of the Three Jewels, and what it means to go for refuge.
The Buddha jewel refers both to the historical Buddha and to the ideal of Buddhahood itself. Going for refuge to the Buddha jewel means seeing him as your ultimate teacher and spiritual example and committing yourself to ending the suffering of yourself and all beings.
The Dharma jewel means the teachings of the Buddha, or the truth he understood. The central teachings emphasize the development of mindfulness and kindness, examining our actions in the light of our ethical values, and seeing how our thoughts condition our lives. Regarding the Dharma as a refuge means seeing these teachings as the best guide to reality, and committing yourself to practicing them.
The third of the Three Jewels is the Sangha or the spiritual community, and the people with whom we share our spiritual lives. We need the guidance of personal teachers, who are further along the path than we are, and the support and friendship of other practitioners.
Three Tuesday Nights: August 2, 9, 16 from 6:30-8:30pm
At Diamond Light Meditation Center, Sierra 2 Center
2791 24th St, room 14 (upstairs)
Sacramento CA 95818
No experience required, come as you are able,drop ins encouraged!